Chu Xueyue was an ordinary teenager—that much was undeniable. And being ordinary, he’d naturally daydreamed like any other boy.

He’d devoured plenty of light novels and manga about Heroes. He’d fantasized: *What if I got summoned too? Would I master both holy and dark arts overnight—skills others need decades to learn? Or would I open my eyes to an otherworldly princess, so grateful she’d become my first harem member? What if, on my quest to slay the Dark Lord, I kept meeting princesses from every race… turning them into allies, then adding them to my harem? Even the Holy Maiden, angels… and that Demon Princess (‘Why did I give birth to a daughter only for her to marry the Hero?’) would join them.*

After defeating the Dark Lord, Chu Xueyue imagined days filled with shameless fun alongside his harem. Then, after fathering a dozen kids, he’d retire from heroics and live leisurely.

*That* was Chu Xueyue’s dream of an isekai life. Though as he grew older (and his chuunibyou faded), he’d accepted he’d likely stay ordinary forever.

Finish university. Get a normal job. Commute, complain, repeat. Find a girlfriend. Marry. Raise kids to live his same life. Retire peacefully.

*That* was Chu Xueyue’s dream now.

But this situation? He’d never imagined *this*.

All he could think was: *"Novels are all lies."*

Dim firelight. An icy floor. Scattered straw. A cramped cell. And iron bars sealing him in.

*A prison? Why am I here? Wasn’t I summoned as the Hero? Where’s the princess? The palace? Why did I wake up in a dungeon?*

And the figure before him… *That’s the Dark Lord.*

Chu Xueyue was too terrified to speak.

“Dark Lord,” cackled a monster beside the throne, “look how this one trembles at your sight! Is *this* the Hero humanity prepared to summon? He couldn’t even lift a sword against you! Hahahaha—let me laugh properly!” His laughter spread. Humanoid or not, every minion joined in—except the Dark Lord himself.

*Dark Lord. Hero summoning.* Those were Chu Xueyue’s key takeaways.

He wasn’t clever, but the truth hit him like a hammer: the summoning ritual had been hijacked.

*Oh, Kings and Princesses of this world… Mage-Sages… Holy Maidens… Did you know your summoning magic was stolen? He’s already summoned the Hero! No need for your ceremony. No world exposition. No “the Dark Lord has returned!” No divine artifacts. No free harem members.*

*Because this Hero skipped straight to the final boss stage: ‘Braving the Demon King’s Castle.’*

Realization sparked a flicker of courage.

“D-Dark Lord,” Chu Xueyue stammered, “you’ve got the wrong person! I’m just a normal high schooler! I can’t even kill a chicken! Neighborhood dogs chase me daily!”

*(He didn’t mention it was a Chihuahua that just wanted to play. He’d always misunderstood.)*

“No. You *are* the Hero.” The Dark Lord’s voice boomed, deep and commanding. The laughter died instantly.

*When the boss speaks, minions shut up.*

“That’s impossible!” Chu Xueyue forced a bitter laugh. “Look at me—I’m weak! How could I match legendary Heroes? I can’t even stand straight in front of you!”

“Given time, you’d grow like those before you. That’s why I summoned you early. Now, humanity has no Hero to stop my Demonfolk army from crushing their lands.”

“And do you know *why* I’m certain you’re the Hero?”

“Why?” Chu Xueyue swallowed hard, the question slipping out.

“Because you understand me. Without the world’s blessing, could you comprehend this realm’s tongue? Could you reply in your native language?”

*Holy crap. That’s… logical. No wonder their accents felt off.*

*So this is the Hero’s blessing?*

*HEY!!*

*Why no OP skills? No divine artifacts? At least buff my body so I can escape!!*

“Mortal,” the Dark Lord intoned, “I care not for your name. Stay here until my conquest is complete.”

“Rest assured—you won’t die. Not until I’ve erased humanity.”

With that, the Dark Lord turned to leave. His lieutenants—Four Heavenly Kings? Seven Generals?—followed.

“Wait!” Chu Xueyue shouted, mustering his last shred of courage. “Why not kill me? Wouldn’t that be easier than keeping me locked up?”

The Dark Lord pivoted. His aura slammed Chu Xueyue back onto the floor.

“Know this: the world’s blessing for a Hero is finite. As long as you live, even if humans summon another Hero… even if he wields divine artifacts… he’ll be incomplete. And no half-formed Hero can defeat me.”

The Dark Lord vanished, leaving the newly summoned Hero alone in the dark.